MTSS | Beyond the Textbook

MTSS | Beyond the Textbook
Written By: Janna Sells

What is MTSS? The implementation of raising student achievement in the classroom. How teachers, schools and educators can use leadership, data, communication and collaboration to improve student performance.

Are you sick of feeling the MTSS implementation burnout? Has MTSS become a four letter word where you serve? Tired of the theory not matching practice? We were too. Welcome to our roadshow. A group of educators who were charged with the job of making MTSS work to close gaps and raise student achievement. In our journey we've uncovered the tools needed to build an effective 3 Tiered Model. Let us start off by first saying, it was not easy. We made tons of mistakes, but we eventually got it right.

5 Critical Components of MTSS

There are 5 critical components, or pillars, that have to be carefully and thoughtfully crafted prior to implementation of MTSS. Without these 5 essential inputs, an MTSS model is simply impossible.

1) It all begins with LEADERSHIP

Leadership knowledge and reinforcement are the driving force behind a strong implementation model.

• Leaders equip themselves with the knowledge they need to lead teachers through implementation
• Leaders LEAD MTSS PLCs — know the data, lead the discussion, and equip teachers
• Leaders help align the arrows between the work teachers are doing in PLCs to their School Improvement Plan
• Leaders are active problem-solvers and strong advocates who support teachers so they may best serve students

2) Clear and consistent COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

More times than we are excited to admit, we've coached and supported sites with the best implementation intentions, but they failed because of the lack of clear communication. Knowing when and how to say the right things can make or break the culture around implementation. It's equally important that you bring teacher leaders in with you as you build your MTSS model. Their boots on the ground feedback is immeasurable and will help you stay ahead of potential threats.

3) Capacity and Infrastructure build sustainability

Invest in your people. Not programs. Work to build capacity in ALL of your staff to create a model that lasts.

• Invest and equip all the people in your building to help them see the strong role they play in the MTSS model.
• It's an all hands on deck approach. Every person in your building should see how their role impacts and aligns the arrows towards total school improvement.

4) Data-based problem-solving

We would never expect a doctor to begin writing a treatment plan for an ill patient without data based indicators suggesting the treatment is exactly what the patient needs. The same is true for educators. To teach without using a data-based, problem solving protocol is malpractice.

5) Data Evaluation drives continuous improvement

• There are many tactical tools to measure whether or not your implementation model is having a positive, negative, or neutral impact on students' growth and achievement.
• It's important that you triangulate your implementation data to get a true measure of impact.
• You must listen to your current indicators and humbly reflect and improve on them until your desired implementation is achieved.
• Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Be present. Be strategic. Be consistent.

A Three-Tiered Approach to Academics, Behavior, and Social Emotional Supports

i-LEADR, Inc. coaches a three-part, three-tiered model. We believe in order to truly serve the whole child, educators must systematically measure the effectiveness of tier 1 core supports in all three areas: academics, behavior, and social emotional.

Once the school begins acting on core areas of concern, they should start to identify students outside and perhaps within those areas who need strategic tier 2 and/or intensive tier 3 supports. Educators should measure the impact of students' response to instruction by using frequent progress monitoring.

The life blood of this model — Professional Learning Communities. None of this work should be done in isolation by a single teacher. These PLCs should be facilitated by a strong leadership team and should be communicated through School Improvement Team work.

Just remember, tradition does not make best practice when it stops being best for kids. Change is hard. Failure is unavoidable. How you rise from your failed attempts will determine the impact and effectiveness of your leadership.

To learn more about how i-LEADR coaches and supports MTSS implementation visit us at https://ileadr.com/service/.